Ruby Red

Chapter Three

With a grand sweeping motion, she gestured to the crowd. A round of cheers and applause erupted from the people below, and the lady smiled. She nodded at the others, then faced the crowd again. "Without further ado, allow me to introduce Queen Marjorie Divillier of Cordavis."

Alana and Karis opened the doors one more time. They bowed at the waist as Queen Marjorie stepped through. She wore the same gold dress from earlier, the train dragging along the floor behind her. An elaborate golden crown inlaid with diamonds adorned her once-blonde hair, which had now turned a darker shade of brown with age. Lady Leela waited at the edge of the balcony for her, then touched her arm and went over to stand with the children.

Queen Marjorie held up her hand, silencing the crowd instantly. Just one movement controlled the volume of hundreds of people. One woman holding that much power only meant that she was incredibly respected or incredibly feared. Thankfully, it was the former. Queen Marjorie had earned her fame through her kindness, not her power.

"Seeing the excited faces of my people is one of my favorite parts of my position," she started, scanning the people below her. "I'm so glad that I'm able to be here today, with my family, friends, and those who have dedicated their lives to our kingdom." With a brief glance, she acknowledged her children, Lady Leela, and the guards on the balcony with her.

"Our kingdom is unlike our neighbors in many ways. They do not have this ceremony every five years, and they are not as capable of restoring their kingdoms as often as we do. Our people are united in our dedication to each other and the kingdom, all thanks to our Vault.

"It's traditional that the ruler announces some of their plans for the money in the Vault and how they feel the people's lives can be improved. I understand that some leaders have abused this power in the past. However, I recognize my role here and, rest assured, know that I will personally ensure that the funds go toward their respective projects."

Alana shifted her weight onto one foot. It wouldn't be noticeable from the ground, but Karis picked up on it. Her attention remained on the queen, but a muscle in her jaw twitched.

Queen Marjorie's speech continued. "I cannot disclose the amount of money in the Vault yet, but I do know what my initial plans will be. We'll assemble teams, both from the palace and from towns across the kingdom. We want to build houses for those who are struggling financially. We want to bring medicine and doctors wherever we can to heal the sick." Alana drew in a breath. "We want to improve roads, and schools, and anything we possibly can. As queen, my duty is to improve my kingdom. That is why I am on the throne, and that is what I have dedicated my reign to."

Karis smiled. He was grateful that Queen Marjorie had such high hopes for the Vault. She hadn't had a good chance to demonstrate her generosity as queen yet, and this Vault ceremony would hopefully be her first of many.

The queen waited for some of the commotions from the crowd to die down. She then held her hand out toward where the children stood. Prince Victor went over to her side and addressed the people. "The royal family would like to cordially invite any who wish to attend to a grand ball in two week's time. At this event, the scepter will be on display before the Vault opens the following weekend. We hope to see you all there."

Instantly, the nobles in front started whispering to each other. The ball was the largest social event of any Vault season besides the opening itself. All of the lords and ladies put themselves and their children on display, hoping to catch the eyes of other rich suitors.

"As we look forward into the immediate future of our kingdom, we can only hope that the unity and peace we know now continues and grows stronger. I am honored to be your queen, and I could not ask for better subjects. Take care of yourselves, and we'll see you at the ball."

Queen Marjorie waved to the crowd, then stepped back. She gathered Lady Leela, Lévian, Victor, and Harsha, then they all headed back toward the doors of the palace.

Princess Harsha mentioned something to Fallon and her posture immediately went from as stiff as a board to her usual relaxed stance. She rolled her neck and followed them out, joining the princess on their way back inside the palace.

"You two are dismissed as well," Harsha said to Alana and Karis as they passed. "Thank you for all of your help."

"Of course, Your Highness," Alana said with a smile. Her green eyes pierced daggers into the royal family's backs as she watched them leave the balcony. As soon as they left the room, she went back inside without so much as a word.

"Alana." Karis followed her, hurrying to catch up to her before she lost him in the labyrinthine halls of the castle. "Alana, wait!"

She didn't listen. Alana stared back at Karis just for a moment, then hurried away. Her fingers fumbled with the straps of her sword and the buttons of her jacket. She needed to be alone, and Karis wasn't helping. She could barely believe the queen's words for reasons she wasn't quite ready to share with her best friend yet, and right now, she didn't really care what he wanted to do.

Karis tried to follow her. She didn't like that. Turning a corner, she slipped into one of the many parlor rooms scattered throughout the castle. She heard Karis run by, waited a moment, then returned to the halls.

She needed to let off some steam, and she knew exactly where to go to do just that. If she couldn't hit a person, a punching bag in the training room would have to suffice.